Foreign investment in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) has grown increasingly active during 2025 as China's largest free-trade zone gears up for the launch of island-wide special customs operations, with paid-up foreign capital in the first three quarters of this year growing by over 42% year-on-year, totaling CNY 18.368 billion by the end of September. 1,513 foreign-invested enterprises also established operations in the island province during the same period, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.2%.
An aerial view of the Global Trade Window standing along Guoxing Avenue in Haikou, Hainan. (Source: https://www.hnftp.gov.cn/)
The strengthening of Hainan's policy framework, industrial foundations, and business environment has been a key factor in drawing overseas investment projects to the island. They include the recently approved Hainan Lausanne Tourism University by EHL Group, a directly owned subsidiary of Sonova Group in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, and Hainan's first foreign-funded stem cell project in the Haikou National High-tech Industrial Development Zone.
At the 2025 Hainan Free Trade Port Enterprise Globalization Summit held in August, 20 firms inked investment agreements covering international headquarters, cross-border trade, the digital economy, and other sectors, further demonstrating Hainan's global investment appeal.
Night view in Haikou, with office buildings illuminated to highlight the city's modern urban landscape. (Source: https://www.hnftp.gov.cn/)
Since the beginning of this year, the Hainan FTP has hosted a series of policy and investment promotion events ahead of the launch of special customs operations on December 18, conducting a major campaign to attract overseas investment projects. In addition, the FTP has been working to create a top-notch environment for domestic and overseas companies seeking to leverage it as a springboard for market expansion.